Arthur volunteered for aircrew service with the RAF in 1940 at the age of 19, as soon as his school examinations were completed. He trained as a navigator in Canada and Florida. After further training in the UK and crewing up with a pilot and other crew members, he joined 97 Squadron, flying Lancasters in December 1942. The following April the crew transferred to Pathfinder Force, where their operations included the shuttle-service attack on Friedrichshafen and the attack against Peenemünde. In September, having completed two tours, he was posted to the Mediterranean theatre, initially in Libya and later in Italy. He flew five further operations, three in Halifaxes and two in Wellingtons, the latter in support of the Yugoslav resistance.

In December 1944 he returned to the UK and joined Transport Command before being seconded to BOAC.

Arthur's direct and detailed account of his experiences is a fascinating and valuable document of an astonishing feat to be exposed to such danger and to survive to tell the tale.